Common Name: Sea Grape

General Information

Ephedra distachya is a much-branched evergreen shrub, sometimes prostrate, with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most of the photosynthesis takes place; it usually grows up to 25cm tall, but can reach 100cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is a commercail source of ephidrine, used medicinally in the treatment of asthma and other conditions[].
Ephedra distachya has a very wide range from western Europe to eastern Asia. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

Many species in this genus contain phenylethylamine alkaloids (e.g. ephedrine, pseudoephedrine). These compounds have stimulant properties and are effective medications in the treatment of a number of conditions. However, they do also have potential side effects and are contraindicated in a number of conditions including anxiety, anorexia, bulimia, diabetes, glaucoma, hypertension, thyrotoxicosis[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

S. Europe - France and Spain, east through southern and eastern Europe, western and central Asia to Mongolia, N. China

Habitat

Found in a wide range of arid habitats including steppe communities, sandy areas (dunes or seaside), rocky ledges, gravelly plains, slopes, tolerating areas where other plants are virtually non-existent; at elevations up to 1,400 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Ephedra species are mainly temperate to subtropical plants, native to arid and semi-arid regions and are also found in seasonally dry habitats such as Mediterranean climates. They are often found at moderate to high elevations, especially when they occur in tropical regions. This species is said to tolerate winter temperatures down to at least -15°c[], though it does not flower or fruit well in moist temperate climates[].
Requires a well-drained loamy soil and a sunny position[]. Succeeds in dry soils[]. Established plants are drought resistant and are also lime tolerant[].
Plants are hardy .
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.
Plants require a good summer in order to fully ripen their wood - this will encourage good flowering and fruiting the following summer.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, , ]. A sweet but rather insipid flavour[]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

Members of this genus contain various medicinally active alkaloids (but notably ephedrine) and they are widely used in preparations for the treatment of asthma and catarrh[].
The stems are a pungent, bitter, warm herb that dilates the bronchial vessels whilst stimulating the heart and central nervous system[]. The stems are also antitussive, diuretic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, hypertensive, nervine, tonic and vasoconstrictor[, , , ]. The plant also has antiviral effects, particularly against influenza[]. The plant is used internally in the treatment of asthma, hay fever and allergic complaints[]. It is also combined with a number of other herbs and used in treating a wide range of other complaints238].
This herb should be used with great caution, preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[]. It should not be prescribed to patients who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or suffering from high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism or glaucoma[]. Ephedrine is seen as a performance-boosting herb and, as such, is a forbidden substance in many sporting events such as athletics[].
The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use[].

Ephedra species, especially those found in Asia, have a long history of medicinal use, particularly in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma, hay fever, catarrh and coughs. They are also considered to be antisyphilitic, antipyretic and circulatory stimulants. The main active substances are alkaloids, particularly ephedrine and the closely related pseudoephedrine, though many other alkaloids can be present[, ].
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are found mainly in the Asian species; those species in the Americas generally have much lower or zero levels, though they do contaim various other alkaloids. These American species often have a high reputation as a refreshing tonic tea that promotes kidney and urinary tract health[, ].
The isolated Ephedrine is often used medicinally as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant to prevent low blood pressure during anesthesia, and to treat conditions including asthma, narcolepsy, and obesity. However, the isolated compound can have various side effects and it has been shown that the whole plant can be used at much lower concentrations than the isolated alkaloid and rarely gives rise to side-effects[].

Ephedra does not cure asthma but in many cases it is very effective in treating the symptoms and thus making life somewhat easier for the sufferer. The stems can be used fresh or dried and are usually made into a tea, though the young stems can also be eaten raw[]. The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be used for ground cover, spaced about 60cm apart each way[].

Other Uses

An extract of the plant is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an emollient, skin conditioner and tonic[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[]. It can also be sown in spring in a greenhouse in a sandy compost[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in the spring or early summer after the last expected frosts and give some protection in their first winter[].
Division in spring or autumn[].
Layering.